A wallaby is shown here. Photo courtesy of Wallabies.org.

Following a complex five-month-long investigation, Animal Control Officers arrested the 26-year-old director of the Reston Zoo on Friday, June 22.

Meghan Mogensen of Silver Spring was charged with animal cruelty and possession of a controlled substance after alleged improper treatment of a sick wallaby. Animal Control Officers were alerted to a situation at the facility, located at 1228 Hunter Mill Road in Vienna, when they followed up on a complaint of suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of an adult wallaby.

On Jan. 26, officers opened an investigation relating to allegations of improper treatment of injured animals and improper use of euthanasia drugs. A search warrant was executed on Feb. 16 when evidence was obtained.

The investigation is ongoing. Animal Control Officers are working jointly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other entities that insure proper protocols involving humane animal euthanasia, treatment and practices are used.

Information about the Reston Zoo may be found at RestonZoo.com.

By: Contributing Author

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